Multimode Communication Device with Shared Signal Path Programmable Filter

ABSTRACT

A multimode communication device with a shared signal path programmable filter and a method for utilizing a shared signal path programmable filter in a multimode communication device. Various aspects of the present invention comprise a first module adapted to receive a first communication signal (e.g., corresponding to a first communication protocol) and a second module adapted to receive a second communication signal (e.g., corresponding to a second communication protocol). A shared filter, communicatively coupled to the first and second modules, may be adapted to filter the first and/or second communication signals in accordance with a plurality of selectable sets of filter response characteristics (e.g., associated with the first and second communication protocols). A filter control module may be adapted to select a set of filter response characteristics from a plurality of such sets and program the shared filter to filter a communication signal in accordance with the selected set.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS/INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

This patent application is related to and claims priority fromprovisional patent application Ser. No. 60/724,095 filed Oct. 6, 2005,and titled “MULTIMODE COMMUNICATION DEVICE WITH SHARED SIGNAL PATHPROGRAMMABLE FILTER,” the contents of which are hereby incorporatedherein by reference in their entirety.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[Not Applicable]

SEQUENCE LISTING

[Not Applicable]

MICROFICHE/COPYRIGHT REFERENCE

[Not Applicable]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Multimode communication devices (e.g., mobile communication devices) arecontinually increasing in popularity. Such communication devicesinclude, for example and without limitation, network access points,cellular phones, paging devices, portable email devices and personaldigital assistants with communication capability. Mobile communicationdevices, for example, provide the user with the capability to conductcommunications while moving through a variety of environments.

Multimode communication devices typically have multiple independentradio circuits. For example, in an exemplary configuration, a multimodecommunication device may have a first independent transceiver forcommunicating with a first particular type of communication network(e.g., in accordance with a first communication protocol) and a secondindependent transceiver for communicating with a second particular typeof communication network (e.g., in accordance with a secondcommunication protocol). Each independent transceiver may, for example,comprise a plurality of filters and related circuitry that arespecifically adapted for operation in accordance with a particularcommunication protocol. Thus, in particular operating scenarios, whenthe first independent transceiver is communicating, filters associatedwith the second independent transceiver are not utilized, and when thesecond independent transceiver is communicating, filters associated withthe first independent transceiver are not utilized. Such a configurationand operation may be wasteful from a variety of perspectives (e.g.,circuit size).

The limitations and disadvantages of conventional and traditionalapproaches will become apparent to one of skill in the art, throughcomparison of such systems with some aspects of the present invention asset forth in the remainder of the present application with reference tothe drawings.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Various aspects of the present invention provide a multimodecommunication device with a shared signal path programmable filter and amethod for utilizing a shared signal path programmable filter in amultimode communication device, substantially as shown in and/ordescribed in connection with at least one of the figures, as set forthmore completely in the claims. These and other advantages, aspects andnovel features of the present invention, as well as details ofillustrative aspects thereof, will be more fully understood from thefollowing description and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a portion of a first exemplarymultimode communication device, in accordance with various aspects ofthe present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a portion of a second exemplarymultimode communication device, in accordance with various aspects ofthe present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a portion of a third exemplarymultimode communication device, in accordance with various aspects ofthe present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a portion of a fourth exemplarymultimode communication device, in accordance with various aspects ofthe present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a portion of a fifth exemplarymultimode communication device, in accordance with various aspects ofthe present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a portion of a sixth exemplarymultimode communication device, in accordance with various aspects ofthe present invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a portion of a seventh exemplarymultimode communication device, in accordance with various aspects ofthe present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a portion of an eighth exemplarymultimode communication device, in accordance with various aspects ofthe present invention.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a portion of a ninth exemplarymultimode communication device, in accordance with various aspects ofthe present invention.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary method, in a multimodecommunication device, for processing communication signals, inaccordance with various aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary method, in a multimodecommunication device, for processing communication signals, inaccordance with various aspects of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a portion of a first exemplarymultimode communication device 100, in accordance with various aspectsof the present invention. The communication device 100 (and any of theexemplary communication devices discussed herein) may comprisecharacteristics of any of a variety of communication devices. Thecommunication device 100 may, for example, comprise characteristics of amobile communication device (e.g., cellular phone, paging device,portable email device, personal digital assistant, portable computerwith mobile communication capability, etc.). The communication device100 may also, for example, comprise characteristics of a generallystationary communication device (e.g., wireless router, network accesspoint, cellular base station, etc.).

The exemplary communication device 100 may comprise a first radio module110 that is adapted to receive at least one communication signal throughan antenna 105. The following discussion may generally discuss areceived communication signal as a wireless signal (e.g., an RF signal).However, the received communication signal may comprise characteristicsof any of a variety of signals associated with various communicationmedia (e.g., a wire signal, RF signal, tethered optical signal,non-tethered optical signal, etc.). Accordingly, the first radio module110 may comprise characteristics of any of a variety of radio hardwareand/or software associated with such signals.

Additionally, as will be discussed later, the antenna 105 may correspondto one or more antennas. For example and without limitation the antenna105 may correspond to a single antenna or may correspond to amulti-antenna configuration. A multi-antenna configuration may, forexample, be utilized in a beam-forming configuration or in aMultiple-Input-Multiple-Output (“MIMO”) configuration (e.g., inaccordance with IEEE 802.11(n) multiple-antenna communications).

The first radio module 110 may be adapted to receive at least onecommunication signal communicated in accordance with any of a variety ofcommunication protocols (e.g., wireless or wired computer network ortelecommunication network protocols). For example and withoutlimitation, the first radio module 110 may be adapted to receivecommunication signals communicated in accordance with any or all ofGSM/GPRS/EDGE, CDMA, WCDMA/UMTS, TDMA, PDC, DVB-H, IEEE 802.11, IEEE802.15, IEEE 802.16, Bluetooth, Zigbee, UltraWideBand, Ethernet, TokenRing, standard and/or propriety protocols, etc.

The first radio module 110 may, for example, be adapted to receive afirst communication signal that is characterized by a first set ofcommunication signal characteristics. Such a first set of communicationsignal characteristics may, for example, comprise frequency or frequencyrange characteristics, modulation characteristics, characteristicsassociated with a particular communication protocol, encodingcharacteristics, etc. For example, the first set of communication signalcharacteristics may correspond to a communication signal communicated inaccordance with one of the communication standards mentioned above. In anon-limiting exemplary scenario, the first radio module 110 may beadapted to receive a Bluetooth signal. In another non-limiting exemplaryscenario, the first radio module 110 may be adapted to receive a WLANsignal (or both Bluetooth and WLAN signals). In another non-limitingexemplary scenario, the first radio module 110 may be adapted to receiveand process a cellular telephony signal (e.g., a GSM or CDMA signal).

The first radio module 110 may then output at least one receivedcommunication signal 111. As will be discussed later in more detail, thefirst radio module 110 may, depending on the configuration, output areceived RF communication signal or an IF communication signal. Also forexample, the first radio module 110 may output a baseband communicationsignal (e.g., a digital baseband signal).

In general, the first radio module 110 may be adapted to receive atleast one communication signal (e.g., corresponding to a firstcommunication protocol). Accordingly, the scope of various aspects ofthe present invention should not be limited by characteristics relatedto any particular type of communication device, communication medium,communication signal or communication protocol.

The exemplary communication device 100 may also comprise a second radiomodule 120 that is adapted to receive, at least one communication signalthrough an antenna. The second radio module 120 may, for example andwithout limitation, share any or all characteristics with the firstradio module 110 discussed previously.

For example and without limitation, the second radio module 120 may beadapted to receive communication signals through an antenna 105. Thoughthe exemplary communication device 100 shows the first radio module 110and the second radio module 120 sharing an antenna 105, the first andsecond radio modules 110, 120 may each be associated with one or moredifferent respective antennas. Such antennas may, for example, besingular or may be configured in a multi-antenna configuration.

Also for example, the second radio module 120 may be adapted to receivea communication signal associated with any of a variety of communicationmedia and/or in accordance with any of a variety of communicationprotocols.

In a non-limiting exemplary scenario, the first radio module 110 may beadapted to receive a Bluetooth signal, and the second radio module 120may be adapted to receive a WLAN signal (or both Bluetooth and WLANsignals). In another non-limiting exemplary scenario, the first radiomodule 110 may be adapted to receive a cellular telephony signal (e.g.,a GSM or CDMA signal), and the second radio module 120 may be adapted toreceive a wireless computer network signal. In yet another non-limitingexemplary scenario, the first radio module 110 may be adapted to receivea CDMA signal, and the second radio module 120 may be adapted to receivea GSM signal.

The second radio module 120 may, for example, be adapted to receive acommunication signal characterized by a second set of communicationsignal characteristics. Such a second set of communication signalcharacteristics may, for example, comprise frequency or frequency rangecharacteristics, modulation characteristics, characteristics associatedwith a particular communication protocol, encoding characteristics, etc.For example, the second set of communication signal characteristics maycorrespond to a communication signal communicated in accordance with oneof the communication standards mentioned previously.

In a non-limiting exemplary scenario, the first radio module 110 may beadapted to receive a communication signal in a first frequency band, andthe second radio module 120 may be adapted to receive a communicationsignal in a second frequency band. The first and second frequency bandsmay, for example, be overlapping or may be completely different fromeach other.

The exemplary communication device 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 and variousexemplary communication devices illustrated and discussed herein aregenerally illustrated with first and second radio modules. Suchtwo-radio module configurations are presented for illustrative clarityand should not limit the scope of various aspects of the presentinvention to configurations having any particular number of radiomodules. Various aspects of the present invention are readily extensibleto configurations comprising more than two radio modules (e.g., three,four or N-radio module configurations, where N is a positive integer).

Also note that though the first radio module 110 and second radio module120 (and various other radio modules discussed herein) are illustratedas independent blocks, the first radio module 110 and the second radiomodule 120 may be completely independent from each other or may sharevarious components. For example and without limitation, the first radiomodule 110 and the second radio module 120 may share various amplifier,mixing and frequency generating circuits. Such partial or fullintegration is illustrated in FIG. 2, which will be discussed later.

Additionally, depending on the configuration, the first radio module 110and the second radio module 120 may receive respective communicationsignals concurrently or serially. Such concurrent or serial receivingwill be discussed more with regard to the exemplary communication deviceconfigurations illustrated later. Accordingly, the scope of variousaspects of the present invention should not be limited bycharacteristics of radio modules for concurrently or serially receivingrespective communication signals.

The exemplary communication device 100 may also comprise a shared filter130. The shared filter 130 may, for example, be communicatively coupledto the first radio module 110 and the second radio module 120. Forexample, the first radio module 110 may output a first receivedcommunication signal 111 to the filter 130, and the second radio module120 may output a second received communication signal 121 to the filter130. Such communicative coupling may, for example, be implementedthrough direct or indirect coupling. As illustrated in FIGS. 7-9, suchcommunicative coupling may be implemented indirectly through variousintermediate components (e.g., switches, signal combining circuitry,multiplexers, etc.).

The share filter 130 may be adapted to filter a communication signal inaccordance with any of a variety of selectable (e.g., programmable)filter response characteristics. The shared filter 130 may, for example,be adapted to filter a communication signal received from at least oneof the first radio module 110 and second radio module 120 (or otherradio modules) in accordance with a selected one of a plurality ofselectable sets of filter response characteristics. In a non-limitingexemplary scenario, a first of the plurality of selectable sets offilter response characteristics corresponds to a first communicationprotocol, and a second of the plurality of selectable sets of filterresponse characteristics corresponds to a second communication protocol.

The selectable (e.g., programmable) filter response characteristics maycomprise any of a variety of selectable filter response characteristics.For example and without limitation, such filter response characteristicsmay comprise a filter center frequency. In a non-limiting exemplaryscenario, a first set of filter response characteristics may comprise afirst center frequency, and a second set of filter responsecharacteristics may comprise a second center frequency. Also forexample, such filter response characteristics may comprise a filtercut-off (or corner) frequency. In a non-limiting exemplary scenario, afirst set of filter response characteristics may comprise a firstcut-off frequency, and a second set of filter response characteristicsmay comprise a second cut-off frequency.

Additionally, for example, such filter response characteristics maycomprise bandwidth. In a non-limiting exemplary scenario, a first set offilter response characteristics may comprise a first bandwidth, and asecond set of filter response characteristics may comprise a secondbandwidth. Further, for example, such filter response characteristicsmay comprise stopband attenuation. In a non-limiting exemplary scenario,a first set of filter response characteristics may comprise a firstlevel of stopband attenuation, and a second set of filter responsecharacteristics may comprise a second level of stopband attenuation.Still further for example, such filter response characteristics maycomprise passband ripple. In a non-limiting exemplary scenario, a firstset of filter response characteristics may comprise a first level ofpassband ripple, and a second set of filter response characteristics maycomprise a second level of passband ripple.

In general, the selectable (e.g., programmable) filter responsecharacteristics may comprise any of a variety of responsecharacteristics associated with a filter. Accordingly, the scope ofvarious aspects of the present invention should not be limited by anyparticular filter response characteristics.

As mentioned previously, the first radio module 110 and/or the secondradio module 120 may be adapted to output respective RF communicationsignals, IF communication signals or baseband communication signals.Accordingly, the shared filter 130 may be adapted to filter any of suchcommunication signal types. Non-limiting exemplary communication deviceconfigurations associated with such filtering will be presented in FIGS.3-6.

The shared filter 130 may, for example, comprise characteristics ofprogrammable analog filters. For example and without limitation, theshared filter 130 may be programmable (or adjustable) by switchingvarious passive electrical components (e.g., resistors, capacitors,inductors, etc.) into and/or out of the filtering circuit. Suchswitching may, for example be implemented utilizing various types ofswitches (e.g., traditional semiconductor switches,Micro-Electro-Mechanical Switches (“MEMS”), etc.). For example, theshared filter 130 may comprise a switched array of passive components(e.g., one or more ladder networks). In such an exemplary configuration,a first switch configuration may correspond to a first of a plurality ofselectable sets of filter response characteristics, and a second switchconfiguration may correspond to a second of a plurality of selectablesets of filter response characteristics.

Also for example, the shared filter 130 may be programmable (oradjustable) by switching between various filters of a switched array offilters. In such a configuration, one or more filters of the switchedarray of filters may be selected to achieve a desired overall filterresponse. In such an exemplary configuration, a first switchconfiguration may correspond to a first of a plurality of selectablesets of filter response characteristics, a second switch configurationmay correspond to a second of a plurality of selectable sets of filterresponse characteristics, and a third switch configuration maycorrespond to a third of a plurality of selectable sets of filterresponse characteristics.

Further for example, the shared filter 130 may be programmable (oradjustable) by tuning one or more adjustable passive electricalcomponents. Such adjustable passive electrical components may, forexample, comprise characteristics of any of a variety of tunable passivecomponents (e.g., tunable MOSFET resistors, tunable capacitors, etc.).In such a configuration, a first passive component tuning may correspondto a first of a plurality of selectable sets of filter responsecharacteristics, and a second passive component tuning may correspond toa second of a plurality of selectable sets of filter responsecharacteristics.

Still further for example, the shared filter 130 may be programmable (oradjustable) by adjusting timing of various signals. For example andwithout limitation, the shared filter 130 may utilize Active ChargeTransport (“ACT”) devices for controlling signal delay. In such aconfiguration, a first signal delay may correspond to a first of aplurality of selectable sets of filter response characteristics, asecond signal delay may correspond to a second of a plurality ofselectable sets of filter response characteristics, and a third signaldelay may correspond to a third of a plurality of selectable sets offilter response characteristics.

The shared filter 130 may also, for example, comprise characteristics ofvarious programmable digital filters. For example and withoutlimitation, the shared filter 130 may comprise a plurality of taps withprogrammable coefficients. Further for example, the shared filter 130may comprise an adjustable number of taps. Still further for example,the shared filter 130 may be reconfigurable between various filterconfigurations (e.g., between a Finite Impulse Response (“FIR”) and anInfinite Impulse Response (“IIR”) filter configuration). Non-limitingexemplary communication device configurations that comprise a digitalfilter will be presented later in FIGS. 5 and 6.

In general, the shared filter 130 may comprise characteristics of any ofa variety of adjustable (e.g., programmable) filters. Accordingly, thescope of various aspects of the present invention should not be limitedby characteristics of any particular type of adjustable filter.

The exemplary communication device 100 may comprise a filter controlmodule 132. The filter control module 132 may, for example, be adaptedto select one of a plurality of sets of filter response characteristicsand direct the shared filter 130 to filter a communication signal inaccordance with the selected set of filter response characteristics.

The filter control module 132 is illustrated in FIG. 1 as separate fromthe filter 130. Such independence is presented for the sake ofillustrative clarity and is by no means necessary. For example, thefilter control module 132 may alternatively be partially or fullyintegrated with the shared filter 130. For example and withoutlimitation, various filter control functions may be performed by theshared filter 130, and various other filter control functions may beperformed by a processor executing software instructions and/or by astate machine. Other exemplary communication device configurationsillustrated in FIGS. 2-9 integrate the functionality of the filtercontrol module 132 with the shared filter 130, but such integration ismerely exemplary.

The filter control module 132 may direct operation of the shared filter130 in any of a variety of manners. For example and without limitation,the filter control module 132 may comprise a memory device storingprogrammable filter switch settings that correspond to particularselectable sets of filter response characteristics. Upon selection of aparticular set of filter response characteristics (e.g., selecting aparticular set of filter response characteristics corresponding to aparticular type of received communication signal), the correspondingfilter switch settings may be applied to switching devices of the sharedfilter 130. Such switch settings may, for example, correspond to aparticular set of passive components, sub-filters or other filtercomponents that govern response characteristics of the shared filter130.

Also for example, the filter control module 132 may comprise a memorydevice storing information utilized to tune passive components of theshared filter 130. Upon selection of a particular set of filter responsecharacteristics, the corresponding passive component tuning informationmay be applied to tunable passive devices of the shared filter 130.Additionally for example, the filter control module 132 may storeinformation related to digital filter tap coefficients. Upon selectionof a particular set of filter response characteristics, thecorresponding filter tap coefficients may be applied to taps of theshared filter 130. Further for example, the filter control module 132may store filter configuration information. Upon selection of aparticular set of filter response characteristics, the correspondingfilter configuration information may be applied to modify configurationof the shared filter 130.

The filter control module 132 may be adapted to select a set of filterresponse characteristics in any of a variety of manners. For example andwithout limitation, the filter control module 132 may be adapted toselect one of a plurality of selectable sets of filter responsecharacteristics based, at least in part, on an indication that areceived communication signal corresponds to a particular communicationprotocol. Also for example, the filter control module 132 may be adaptedto select one of a plurality of selectable sets of filter responsecharacteristics based, at least in part, on a decision to determinewhether a received communication signal corresponds to a particularcommunication protocol.

Further for example, the filter control module 132 may be adapted toselect one of a plurality of selectable sets of filter responsecharacteristics based, at least in part, on a predefined communicationschedule or operating profile. Still further for example, the filtercontrol module 132 may be adapted to select one of a plurality ofselectable sets of filter response characteristics based, at least inpart, on a user request or a request received from another communicationsystem (e.g., a communication network controller, access point or othercommunication device).

In general, the filter control module 132 may be adapted to select a setof filter response characteristics and direct the shared filter 130 tofilter a communication signal in accordance with the selected filterresponse characteristics. Accordingly, the scope of various aspects ofthe present invention should not be limited by characteristics of anyparticular manner of selecting filter response characteristics or anyparticular manner of controlling a filter to perform filtering inaccordance with selected filter response characteristics.

Various characteristics of the exemplary communication device 100 (andother communication devices discussed herein, by analogy) will now bepresented by way of non-limiting example.

In a first non-limiting exemplary scenario, the exemplary communicationdevice 100 may comprise a first communication signal pathway (e.g.,comprising the first radio module 110 and the shared filter 130) throughwhich communication signals corresponding to a first communicationprotocol are received and processed. The communication device 100 mayalso comprise a second communication signal pathway (e.g., comprisingthe second radio module 120 and the shared filter 130) through whichcommunication signals corresponding to a second communication protocol,different from the first communication protocol, are received andprocessed. The first communication signal pathway and secondcommunication signal pathway may, for example and without limitation,partially differ but share the shared filter 130.

Continuing the exemplary scenario, the shared filter 130 may, whenprocessing a communication signal associated with the firstcommunication signal pathway, filter the communication signal inaccordance with filter response characteristics associated with thefirst communication protocol. The shared filter 130 may also, whenprocessing a communication signal associated with the secondcommunication signal pathway, filter the communication signal inaccordance with filter response characteristics associated with thesecond communication protocol. In an example including simultaneousprocessing of communication signals associated with the first and secondcommunication signal pathways, the shared filter 130 may process acombined communication signal in accordance with filter responsecharacteristics associated with both the first and second communicationprotocols.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a portion of a second exemplarymultimode communication device 200, in accordance with various aspectsof the present invention. The exemplary communication device 200 may,for example and without limitation, share any or all characteristicswith the exemplary communication device 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 anddiscussed previously.

The exemplary communication device 200 may comprise a first radio module210 and a second radio module 220. For example and without limitation,the first radio module 210 and second radio module 220 may share any orall characteristics with the first radio module 110 and second radiomodule 120, respectively, discussed previously with regard to FIG. 1.

As discussed previously, a communication device may comprise one or aplurality of antennas. Such a plurality of antennas is illustrated inFIG. 2 by the dashed line antenna(s) 205 of the communication device200. Such antennas 205 may, for example and without limitation, beutilized in a beam-forming configuration or a MIMO configuration.

Also as discussed previously, a first radio module and a second radiomodule may be partially or fully integrated. As illustrated by theoverlapping boxes in FIG. 2, the first radio module 210 and the secondradio module 220 may share at least a portion of their components. Suchshared components may, for example, comprise characteristics of hardwareand/or software components. Such shared components may, for example, beutilized by the first radio module 210 during a first time interval andutilized by the second radio module 220 during a second time interval.In a non-limiting exemplary scenario, such shared components may beutilized by the first and second radio modules 210, 220 to processmultiple received signals pseudo-simultaneously in a time-multiplexedmanner.

The first radio module 210 or the second radio module 220 may output areceived communication signal 211. As illustrated in FIG. 1, each radiomodule of a communication device may output a respective receivedcommunication signal. As an exemplary alternative to such independentrespective output signals, the first radio module 210 and second radiomodule 220 are illustrated as outputting a single received communicationsignal 211. Such a communication signal 211 may correspond to an outputof the first radio module 210, an output of the second radio module 220,or in various exemplary scenarios, outputs of both the first radiomodule 210 and the second radio module 220 combined.

The exemplary communication device 200 may also comprise a shared filter230 communicatively coupled to the first radio module 210 and the secondradio module 220. The shared filter 230 may, for example and withoutlimitation, share any or all characteristics with the shared filter 130discussed previously with regard to FIG. 1. For example, the sharedfilter 230 may be adapted to receive at least one communication signal211 from the first radio module 210 and/or second radio module 220 andfilter such a received communication signal in accordance with any of avariety of selectable (e.g., programmable) filter responsecharacteristics.

The shared filter 230 is illustrated outputting a first filtered signal231 corresponding to a communication signal received from the firstradio module 210 and a second filtered signal 232 corresponding to acommunication signal received from the second radio module 220. Suchoutput signal separation is merely exemplary and shown as an alternativeto the shared filter 130 of FIG. 1, which is illustrated outputting asingle filtered communication signal 131, which may correspond to eitherthe first radio module 110, second radio module 120, or both first andsecond radio modules 110, 120 concurrently.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a portion of a third exemplarymultimode communication device 300, in accordance with various aspectsof the present invention. The exemplary communication device 300 may,for example and without limitation, share any or all characteristicswith the exemplary communication devices 100, 200 illustrated in FIGS.1-2 and discussed previously. As discussed previously, a shared filtermay be utilized to filter received communication signals at IFfrequencies. FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary configuration utilizingsuch filtering.

The exemplary communication device 300 comprises a first radio module310, a second radio module 320 and a shared filter 330. Each of thefirst and second radio modules 310, 320 may receive a communicationsignal from at least one antenna 305. For example and withoutlimitation, the first and second radio modules 310, 320 may share any orall characteristics with the first radio modules 110, 210 and secondradio modules 120, 220 discussed previously with regard to FIGS. 1-2.

The first radio module 310 may comprise a filter 312 and low noiseamplifier 314 to receive a radio frequency (“RF”) communication signal.The first radio module 310 may also comprise a mixer 318 and localoscillator 316 adapted to convert the received RF communication signalto an intermediate frequency (“IF”) communication signal. The firstradio module 310 may then output the IF communication signal 311 to theshared filter 330.

The second radio module 320 may comprise a filter 322 and low noiseamplifier 324 to receive an RF communication signal. The second radiomodule 320 may also comprise a mixer 328 and local oscillator 326adapted to convert the received RF communication signal to an IFcommunication signal. The second radio module 320 may then output the IFcommunication signal 321 to the shared filter 330.

The shared filter 330 may then receive and filter the IF communicationsignal(s) 311, 321 received from the first and/or second radio modules310, 320. The shared filter 330 may, for example and without limitation,share any or all characteristics with the shared filters 130, 230discussed previously with regard to FIGS. 1-2.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a portion of a fourth exemplarymultimode communication device 400, in accordance with various aspectsof the present invention. The exemplary communication device 400 may,for example and without limitation, share any or all characteristicswith the exemplary communication devices 100-300 illustrated in FIGS.1-3 and discussed previously. As discussed previously, a shared filtermay be utilized to filter received communication signals at RFfrequencies. FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary configuration utilizingsuch filtering.

The exemplary communication device 400 comprises a first radio module410, a second radio module 420 and a shared filter 430. Each of thefirst and second radio modules 410, 420 may receive a communicationsignal from at least one antenna 405. For example and withoutlimitation, the first and second radio modules 410, 420 may share any orall characteristics with the first radio modules 110, 210, 310 andsecond radio modules 120, 220, 320 discussed previously with regard toFIGS. 1-3.

The first radio module 410 may comprise a filter 412 and low noiseamplifier 414 to receive an RF communication signal. The first radiomodule 410 may then output the received RF communication signal 411 tothe shared filter 430. The second radio module 420 may comprise a filter422 and low noise amplifier 424 to receive an RF communication signal.The second radio module 420 may then output the received RFcommunication signal 421 to the shared filter 430.

The shared filter 430 may then receive and filter the received RFcommunication signal(s) 411, 421 received from the first and/or secondradio modules 410, 420. The shared filter 430 may, for example andwithout limitation, share any or all characteristics with the sharedfilters 130, 230, 330 discussed previously with regard to FIGS. 1-3.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a portion of a fifth exemplarymultimode communication device 500, in accordance with various aspectsof the present invention. The exemplary communication device 500 may,for example and without limitation, share any or all characteristicswith the exemplary communication devices 100-400 illustrated in FIGS.1-4 and discussed previously. As discussed previously, a shared filtermay comprise characteristics of a digital filter. The exemplarycommunication device 500 is illustrated in a configuration where theshared filter 530 is a digital filter.

The exemplary communication device 500 comprises a first radio module510, a second radio module 520 and a shared filter 530. Each of thefirst and second radio modules 510, 520 may receive a communicationsignal from at least one antenna 505. For example and withoutlimitation, the first and second radio modules 510, 520 may share any orall characteristics with the first and second radio modules discussedpreviously with regard to FIGS. 1-4.

The first radio module 510 may comprise a filter 512 and low noiseamplifier 513 to receive an RF communication signal. The first radiomodule 510 may also comprise at least one mixer 515 and at least onelocal oscillator 514 adapted to convert the received RF communicationsignal to a baseband communication signal (e.g., directly from RF tobaseband or from RF to IF to baseband). The first radio module 510 mayalso comprise a second filter 517 and an A/D converter 518 to filter anddigitize the baseband communication signal. The first radio module 510may then output the digitized communication signal 511 to the shareddigital filter 530.

The second radio module 520 may comprise a filter 522 and low noiseamplifier 523 to receive an RF communication signal. The second radiomodule 520 may also comprise at least one mixer 525 and at least onelocal oscillator 524 adapted to convert the received RF communicationsignal to a baseband communication signal (e.g., directly from RF tobaseband or from RF to IF to baseband). The second radio module 520 mayalso comprise a second filter 527 and an A/D converter 528 to filter anddigitize the baseband communication signal. The second radio module 520may then output the digitized communication signal 521 to the shareddigital filter 530.

The shared digital filter 530 may then receive and filter the digitizedbaseband communication signal(s) 511, 521 received from the first and/orsecond radio modules 510, 520. The shared filter 530 may, for exampleand without limitation, share any or all characteristics with the shareddigital filters discussed previously with regard to FIGS. 1-4.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a portion of a sixth exemplarymultimode communication device 600, in accordance with various aspectsof the present invention. The exemplary communication device 600 may,for example and without limitation, share any or all characteristicswith the exemplary communication devices 100-500 illustrated in FIGS.1-5 and discussed previously. As discussed previously, a shared filtermay comprise characteristics of an analog or digital filter. Theexemplary communication device 600 is illustrated in a configurationwith two shared filters, namely a shared analog filter 630 and a shareddigital filter 650.

The exemplary communication device 600 comprises a first radio module610, a second radio module 620 and a shared analog filter 630. Theexemplary communication device 600 may also comprise an A/D converter640 and a shared digital filter 650.

Each of the first and second radio modules 610, 620 may receive acommunication signal from at least one antenna 605. For example andwithout limitation, the first and second radio modules 610, 620 mayshare any or all characteristics with the first and second radio modulesdiscussed previously with regard to FIGS. 1-5.

The first radio module 610 may comprise a filter 612 and low noiseamplifier 613 to receive an RF communication signal. The first radiomodule 610 may also comprise at least one mixer 615 and at least onelocal oscillator 614 adapted to convert the received RF communicationsignal to a baseband communication signal (or alternatively, an IFcommunication signal). The first radio module 610 may then output thebaseband communication signal 611 (or IF communication signal) to theshared analog filter 630.

The second radio module 620 may comprise a filter 622 and low noiseamplifier 623 to receive an RF communication signal. The second radiomodule 620 may also comprise at least one mixer 625 and at least onelocal oscillator 624 adapted to convert the received RF communicationsignal to a baseband communication signal (or alternatively, an IFcommunication signal). The second radio module 620 may then output thebaseband communication signal 621 (or IF communication signal) to theshared analog filter 630.

The shared analog filter 630 may then receive and filter the basebandcommunication signal(s) 611, 621 received from the first and/or secondradio modules 610, 620 and output the analog-filtered signal 631. Theshared analog filter 630 may, for example and without limitation, shareany or all analog filter characteristics with the shared filtersdiscussed previously with regard to FIGS. 1-5.

The exemplary communication device 600 may also comprise an A/Dconverter 640 that receives and digitizes the analog-filtered signal 631and outputs a digitized communication signal 641. The exemplarycommunication device 600 may additionally comprise a shared digitalfilter 650 that receives and filters the digitized communication signal641 and outputs a digital-filtered communication signal 651. The shareddigital filter 650 may, for example and without limitation, share any orall digital filter characteristics with the shared filters discussedpreviously with regard to FIGS. 1-5.

As discussed previously, radio modules may be communicatively coupled tothe shared filter through various intermediate components (e.g.,switches, signal combining circuitry, multiplexers, variable gainamplifiers, etc.). FIGS. 7-9 present various non-limiting exemplarymultimode communication device configurations utilizing suchintermediate components.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a portion of a seventh exemplarymultimode communication device 700, in accordance with various aspectsof the present invention. The exemplary communication device 700 may,for example and without limitation, share any or all characteristicswith the exemplary communication devices 100-600 illustrated in FIGS.1-6 and discussed previously.

The exemplary communication device 700 may comprise a first radio module710, a second radio module 720 and a shared filter 730. The first andsecond radio modules 710, 720 and shared filter 730 may, for example andwithout limitation, share any or all characteristics with the first andsecond radio modules and shared filters discussed previously with regardto FIGS. 1-6.

The first radio module 710 may output a first received communicationsignal 711, and the second radio module 720 may output a second receivedcommunication signal 721. A switching module 760 (e.g., comprising aswitching device 762) may receive the first received communicationsignal 711 and/or the second received communication signal 721 andoutput a selected communication signal 761. Operation of the switchingdevice 762 (e.g., a switch, array of switches or multiplexer) may becontrolled in any of a variety of manners, some of which were discussedpreviously with regard to the filter control module 132 of the exemplarycommunication device 100 illustrated in FIG. 1.

The shared filter 730 may then filter the selected communication signal761 in accordance with a selected one of a plurality of selectable setsof filter response characteristics and output a filtered communicationsignal 731.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a portion of an eighth exemplarymultimode communication device 800, in accordance with various aspectsof the present invention. The exemplary communication device 800 may,for example and without limitation, share any or all characteristicswith the exemplary communication devices 100-700 illustrated in FIGS.1-7 and discussed previously.

The exemplary communication device 800 may comprise a first radio module810, a second radio module 820 and a shared filter 830. The first andsecond radio modules 810, 820 and shared filter 830 may, for example andwithout limitation, share any or all characteristics with first andsecond radio modules and shared filters discussed previously with regardto FIGS. 1-7.

The first radio module 810 may output a first received communicationsignal 811, and the second radio module 820 may output a second receivedcommunication signal 821. A switching module 860 may receive the firstreceived communication signal 811 and/or the second receivedcommunication signal 821 and output a selected (or combined)communication signal 861. For example, the switching module 860 maycomprise a first switching device 862 that controls communication of thefirst received communication signal 811 to a summing circuit 864. Theswitching module 860 may also comprise a second switching device 863that controls communication of the second received communication signal821 to the summing circuit 864.

Operation of the switching devices 862, 863 may be controlled in any ofa variety of manners, some of which were discussed previously withregard to the filter control module 132 of the exemplary communicationdevice 100 illustrated in FIG. 1. For example, the switching devices862, 863 may be controlled to apply either the first receivedcommunication signal 811 or the second received communication signal 821to the summing circuit 864. Also, in various exemplary scenarios (e.g.,where the filter 830 may simultaneously filter a plurality ofcommunication signals), the switching devices 862, 863 may be controlledto apply both the first and second received communication signals 811,821 to the summing circuit 864.

The shared filter 830 may then filter the selected communication signal861 in accordance with a selected one of a plurality of selectable setsof filter response characteristics and output a filtered communicationsignal 831.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a portion of a ninth exemplarymultimode communication device, in accordance with various aspects ofthe present invention. The exemplary communication device 900 may, forexample and without limitation, share any or all characteristics withthe exemplary communication devices 100-800 illustrated in FIGS. 1-8 anddiscussed previously.

The exemplary communication device 900 may comprise a first radio module910, a second radio module 920 and a shared filter 930. The first andsecond radio modules 910, 920 and shared filter 930 may, for example andwithout limitation, share any or all characteristics with the first andsecond radio modules and shared filters discussed previously with regardto FIGS. 1-8.

The first radio module 910 may output a first received communicationsignal 911, and the second radio module 920 may output a second receivedcommunication signal 921. A switching module 960 may receive the firstreceived communication signal 911 and/or the second receivedcommunication signal 921 and output a selected (or combined)communication signal 961. For example, the switching module 960 maycomprise a first variable gain device 962 (e.g., a variable amplifier)that controls communication of the first received communication signal911 to a summing circuit 964. The switching module 960 may also comprisea second variable gain device 963 (e.g., a variable amplifier) thatcontrols communication of the second received communication signal 921to the summing circuit 964.

Operation of the variable gain devices 962, 963 may be controlled in anyof a variety of manners, some of which were discussed previously withregard to the filter control module 132 of the exemplary communicationdevice 100 illustrated in FIG. 1. For example, the variable gain devices962, 963 may be controlled to apply either the first receivedcommunication signal 911 or the second received communication signal 921to the summing circuit 964. Also, in various exemplary scenarios (e.g.,where the filter 930 may simultaneously filter a plurality ofcommunication signals), the variable gain devices 962, 963 may becontrolled to apply both the first and second received communicationsignals 911, 921 to the summing circuit 964 (e.g., in balanced orunbalanced proportion).

The shared filter 930 may then filter the selected communication signal961 in accordance with a selected one of a plurality of selectable setsof filter response characteristics and output a filtered communicationsignal 931.

The exemplary multimode communication devices 100-900 illustrated inFIGS. 1-9 and discussed previously were presented by discussing variousfunctional modules. Such modular presentation was chosen forillustrative clarity and should not limit the scope of various aspectsof the present invention. For example, as discussed previously, variousmodules may be implemented in hardware and/or software, and variousmodules may share hardware and/or software components. Additionally,various modules may be implemented in any of a variety of degrees ofintegration. For example and without limitation, the radio modules,filter modules and other modules discussed herein may be integrated intoa single integrated circuit, implemented in separate ICs, in amulti-chip module or circuit board. Accordingly, the scope of variousaspects of the present invention should not be limited bycharacteristics of particular hardware and/or software implementations,by arbitrary boundaries between modules, or by any particular degree ofintegration.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary method 1000, in amultimode communication device, for processing communication signals, inaccordance with various aspects of the present invention. The exemplarymethod 1000 may, for example and without limitation, share any or allfunctional characteristics with the exemplary multimode communicationdevices 100-900 illustrated in FIGS. 1-9 and discussed previously.

The exemplary method 1000 may begin executing at step 1005. Theexemplary method 1000 (and all methods discussed herein) may beginexecuting for any of a variety of reasons. For example and withoutlimitation, the exemplary method 1000 may begin executing in response toa command to begin (e.g., received by a user or another communicationdevice). Also for example, the exemplary method 1000 may begin executingin response to arrival or detection of a communication signal. Furtherfor example, the exemplary method 1000 may begin executing in responseto a predetermined operating profile or sequence.

The exemplary method 1000 may, at step 1010, comprise receiving a firstcommunication signal (e.g., corresponding to a first communicationprotocol). Step 1010 may, for example and without limitation, share anyor all functional characteristics with the exemplary first radio modules110-910 illustrated in FIGS. 1-9 and discussed previously.

The exemplary method 1000 may, at step 1020, comprise filtering thefirst communication signal with a shared filter. Step 1020 may, forexample and without limitation, share various functional characteristicswith the exemplary shared filters 130-930 and 960 illustrated in FIGS.1-9 and discussed previously. For example, in an exemplary scenariowhere the first communication signal received at step 1010 correspondsto a first communication protocol, step 1020 may comprise filtering thereceived first communication signal in accordance with the firstcommunication protocol. For example, step 1020 may comprise filteringthe received first communication signal in accordance with a selectedset of filter response characteristics of a plurality of sets ofselectable filter response characteristics, where the selected set offilter response characteristics corresponds to the first communicationprotocol.

Step 1020 may comprise filtering the first communication signal with ashared filter in any of a variety of manners, some of which werediscussed previously. For example, step 1020 may comprise programming(or adjusting) the shared filter to filter the received firstcommunication signal in accordance with a first set of filter responsecharacteristics (e.g., associated with a first communication protocol).For example and without limitation, step 1020 may comprise programmingthe shared filter by configuring a switching array or setting tapcoefficient values and/or filter configuration.

In a non-limiting exemplary scenario, steps 1010 and 1020 may comprisereceiving and filtering a first communication signal through a firstcommunication signal pathway of the multimode communication device,where the first communication signal pathway comprises the sharedfilter.

The exemplary method 1000 may, at step 1030, comprise receiving a secondcommunication signal (e.g., corresponding to a second communicationprotocol). Step 1030 may, for example and without limitation, share anyor all functional characteristics with the exemplary second radiomodules 120-920 illustrated in FIGS. 1-9 and discussed previously.

The exemplary method 1000 may, at step 1040, comprise filtering thesecond communication signal with a shared filter. Step 1040 may, forexample and without limitation, share various functional characteristicswith the exemplary shared filters 130-930 and 960 illustrated in FIGS.1-9 and discussed previously. For example, in an exemplary scenariowhere the second communication signal received at step 1030 correspondsto a second communication protocol, step 1040 may comprise filtering thereceived second communication signal in accordance with the secondcommunication protocol. For example, step 1040 may comprise filteringthe received second communication signal in accordance with a selectedset of filter response characteristics of a plurality of selectable setsof filter response characteristics, where the selected set of filterresponse characteristics corresponds to the second communicationprotocol.

Step 1040 may comprise filtering the second communication signal withthe shared filter in any of a variety of manners, some of which werediscussed previously. For example, step 1040 may comprise programming(or adjusting) the shared filter to filter the received secondcommunication signal in accordance with a second set of filter responsecharacteristics (e.g., associated with a second communication protocol).For example and without limitation, step 1040 may comprise programmingthe shared filter by configuring a switching array or setting tapcoefficient values and/or filter configuration.

In a non-limiting exemplary scenario, steps 1030 and 1040 may comprisereceiving and filtering a second communication signal through a secondcommunication signal pathway (e.g., at least a portion of which isdifferent from the first communication signal pathway) of the multimodecommunication device, where the second communication signal pathwaycomprises the shared filter.

The exemplary method 1000 may, at step 1095, comprise performingcontinued communication signal processing. Such continued communicationsignal processing may comprise characteristics of any of a variety oftypes of communication signal processing. For example and withoutlimitation, step 1095 may comprise looping execution flow of theexemplary method 1000 back up to step 1010 or 1030 for continuedreception and processing of communication signals. Also for example,step 1095 may comprise performing symbol detection, decoding, decryptingor error correcting activities with a received communication signal.Additionally, for example, step 1095 may comprise transmittinginformation. Further for example, step 1095 may comprise performing userinterface activities.

The exemplary method 1000 was presented to provide specific non-limitingexamples of various generally broader aspects of the present invention.Accordingly, the scope of various aspects of the present inventionshould not be limited by specific characteristics of the exemplarymethod 1000.

The exemplary method 1000 illustrated sequentially (e.g., serially)receiving and filtering a first and second communication signal. Note,however, that various aspects of the present invention are readilyextensible to concurrent reception of a plurality of communicationsignals. For example, in various scenarios, filtering may also beperformed concurrently (e.g., where two combined communication signalsshare a filtered frequency band). A non-limiting example of a scenarioinvolving concurrent reception and/or filtering is illustrated in FIG.11.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary method 1100, in amultimode communication device, for processing communication signals, inaccordance with various aspects of the present invention.

The exemplary method 1100 may, at step 1110, comprise receiving a firstcommunication signal (e.g., corresponding to a first communicationprotocol). Step 1110 may, for example and without limitation, share anyor all characteristics with step 1010 of the exemplary method 1000illustrated in FIG. 10 and discussed previously.

The exemplary method 1100 may, at step 1120, comprise receiving a secondcommunication signal (e.g., corresponding to a second communicationprotocol). Step 1120 may, for example and without limitation, share anyor all characteristics with step 1030 of the exemplary method 1000illustrated in FIG. 10 and discussed previously. Step 1120 may, forexample, comprise receiving the second communication signal concurrentlywith step 1110 receiving the first communication signal.

The exemplary method 1100 may, at step 1130, comprise selecting acommunication signal (e.g., of the first communication signal receivedat step 1110 and the second communication signal received at step 1120)to filter. Step 1130 may, for example and without limitation, share anyor all functional characteristics with the filter control module 132discussed previously with regard to FIG. 1. Also, step 1130 may, forexample and without limitation, share various functional characteristicswith the switching modules 760, 860, 960 illustrated in FIGS. 7-9. Step1130 may, for example, comprise selecting a communication signal based,at least in part, on user input, a predetermined operating profile,signal strength, current communication needs, etc.

Step 1130 may, for example, comprise selecting one of the firstcommunication signal received at step 1110 and the second communicationsignal received at step 1120. Alternatively, in various exemplaryscenarios, step 1130 may comprise selecting a plurality of receivedcommunication signals for concurrent filtering. For example and withoutlimitation, step 1130 may comprise selecting to filter the first andsecond received communication signals (e.g., where the first and secondsignals are combined into a single communication signal).

The exemplary method 1100 may, at step 1140, comprise programming (oradjusting) a shared filter to filter the selected communication signal(e.g., selected at step 1130) in accordance with a selected set offilter response characteristics. Such a selected set of filter responsecharacteristics may, for example, correspond to the selectedcommunication signal(s). Step 1140 may, for example and withoutlimitation, share any or all characteristics with steps 1020 and 1040 ofthe exemplary method 1000 illustrated in FIG. 10 and discussedpreviously. For example, step 1140 may comprise setting switchconfigurations, tuning passive components, setting filter tapcoefficients, setting filter configuration, etc.

The exemplary method 1100 may, at step 1150, comprise filtering theselected communication signal (e.g., as selected at step 1130) inaccordance with the programming (or adjusting) of the shared filterperformed at step 1140. Step 1150 may, for example and withoutlimitation, share any or all characteristics with steps 1020 and 1040 ofthe exemplary method 1000 illustrated in FIG. 10 and discussedpreviously.

The exemplary method 1100 was presented to provide specific non-limitingexamples of various generally broader aspects of the present invention.Accordingly, the scope of various aspects of the present inventionshould not be limited by specific characteristics of the exemplarymethod 1100.

In summary, various aspects of the present invention provide a multimodecommunication device with a shared signal path programmable filter and amethod for utilizing a shared signal path programmable filter in amultimode communication device. While the invention has been describedwith reference to certain aspects and embodiments, it will be understoodby those skilled in the art that various changes may be made andequivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope of theinvention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt aparticular situation or material to the teachings of the inventionwithout departing from its scope. Therefore, it is intended that theinvention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed, butthat the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scopeof the appended claims.

1. A multimode communication device comprising: a first module adaptedto receive a first communication signal corresponding to a firstcommunication protocol; a second module adapted to receive a secondcommunication signal corresponding to a second communication protocolthat is different from the first communication protocol; and a filter,communicatively coupled to the first and second modules, adapted tofilter a communication signal received from at least one of the firstand second modules according to at least a first filter responsecharacteristic and a second filter response characteristic, wherein: thefirst filter response characteristic corresponds to the firstcommunication protocol; and the second filter response characteristiccorresponds to the second communication protocol.
 2. The multimodecommunication device of claim 1, further comprising at least one moduleadapted to: select one of a plurality of selectable sets of filterresponse characteristics; and direct the filter to filter thecommunication signal in accordance with the selected set of filterresponse characteristics.
 3. The multimode communication device of claim1, wherein the at least one module is adapted to select one of the thefirst filter response characteristic and the second filter responsecharacteristic based, at least in part, on an indication that thecommunication signal corresponds to one of the first communicationprotocol and the second communication protocol.
 4. The multimodecommunication device of claim 1, wherein the first and secondcommunication protocols are wireless computer network communicationprotocols.
 5. The multimode communication device of claim 1, wherein thefirst and second modules are adapted to receive communication signals inoverlapping frequency bands.
 6. The multimode communication device ofclaim 1, wherein the first and second modules are adapted to share atleast a portion of their components.
 7. The multimode communicationdevice of claim 1, further comprising a switching module adapted toselect between a first received communication signal and a secondreceived communication signal and provide one of the first receivedcommunication signal and the second communication signal to the filter.8. The multimode communication device of claim 1, further comprising asignal-combining module adapted to combine a plurality of receivedcommunication signals and provide the combined communication signals tothe filter.
 9. The multimode communication device of claim 1, whereinthe filter comprises a switched array of passive components, andwherein: a first switch configuration corresponds to a first filterresponse characteristic; and a second switch configuration correspondsto a second filter response characteristic.
 10. The multimodecommunication device of claim 1, further comprising a memory storingsetting information for the filter.
 11. The multimode communicationdevice of claim 1, wherein the filter is an analog filter.
 12. Themultimode communication device of claim 1, wherein the filter is adigital filter.
 13. The multimode communication device of claim 12,wherein the filter comprises a plurality of taps with programmable tapcoefficients.
 14. The multimode communication device of claim 1,wherein: the first filter response characteristic comprises a firstcenter frequency; and the second filter response characteristiccomprises a second center frequency different from the first centerfrequency.
 15. The multimode communication device of claim 1, wherein:the first filter response characteristic comprises a first bandwidth;and the second filter response characteristic comprises a secondbandwidth different from the first bandwidth.
 16. The multimodecommunication device of claim 1, wherein: the first filter responsecharacteristic comprises a first cutoff frequency; and the second filterresponse characteristic comprises a second cutoff frequency differentfrom the first cutoff frequency.
 17. The multimode communication deviceof claim 1, wherein the filter is adapted to filter a communicationsignal received from at least one of the first and second modules at IFfrequencies.
 18. The multimode communication device of claim 1, whereinthe filter is adapted to filter a communication signal received from atleast one of the first and second modules at RF frequencies.
 19. Themultimode communication device of claim 1, wherein the multimodecommunication device is a mobile communication device.
 20. A multimodecommunication device comprising: a first communication signal pathwaythrough which communication signals corresponding to a firstcommunication protocol are received and processed; and a secondcommunication signal pathway, at least a portion of which is differentfrom the first communication signal pathway, through which communicationsignals corresponding to a second communication protocol, different fromthe first communication protocol, are received and processed; whereinthe first and second communication signal pathways comprise a sharedfilter, adapted to filter a communication signal according to at least afirst filter response characteristic and a second filter responsecharacteristic.
 21. The multimode communication device of claim 20,wherein the shared filter is adapted to: when processing a communicationsignal associated with the first communication signal pathway, filterthe communication signal in accordance with filter responsecharacteristics associated with the first communication protocol; andwhen processing a communication signal associated with the secondcommunication signal pathway, filter the communication signal inaccordance with filter response characteristics associated with thesecond communication protocol.
 22. The multimode communication device ofclaim 20, wherein the shared filter is adapted to, when processing acommunication signal associated with the first and second communicationsignal pathways, filter the communication signal in accordance withfilter response characteristics associated with the first and secondcommunication protocols.
 23. The multimode communication device of claim20, wherein: the first communication signal pathway comprises a firstradio module adapted to receive an RF signal corresponding to the firstcommunication protocol; and the second communication signal pathwaycomprises a second radio module, at least a portion of which isindependent of the first radio module, adapted to receive an RF signalcorresponding to the second communication protocol.
 24. The multimodecommunication device of claim 20, wherein the first and secondcommunication protocols correspond to wireless computer networkcommunication protocols.
 25. The multimode communication device of claim20, wherein the shared filter is adapted to filter the communicationsignal at IF frequencies. 26-30. (canceled)
 31. A system, comprisingmeans for receiving a first communication signal corresponding to afirst communication protocol; means for filtering the firstcommunication signal with a shared filter, wherein the shared filter isadapted to filter the first communication signal in accordance with thefirst communication protocol; means receiving a second communicationsignal corresponding to a second communication protocol, different fromthe first communication protocol; and means filtering the secondcommunication signal with the shared filter, wherein the shared filteris adapted to filter the second communication signal in accordance withthe second communication protocol.